Quantitative exploration of arbuscular mycorrhiza colonization in Dactylorhiza hatagirea (D.Don) Soó in Kashmir Himalaya

Mycorrhizae, exclusively associated with orchids, play a crucial role in plant growth, competitive interactions and pathogen protection. This study aimed to quantitatively assess the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) colonization rate in Dactylorhiza hatagirea at three sites in Kashmir Himalaya: Gulmarg, Sonamarg, and Pahalgam. Additionally, it examines soil parameters such as temperature, precipitation, pH, organic carbon, phosphorus, potassium and nitrogen. The root tips were collected at a depth of 0-20 cm. Samples were stored in sterilized polythene bags, refrigerated at 4±1 °C. Our results showed a significant variation in mycorrhizal colonization across three sites, with Pahalgam showing the highest at 78%, followed by Gulmarg at 73%, and Sonamarg at 57%. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed 69.5% of the variation in environmental and soil variables. Positive correlations were observed among pH, nitrogen, potassium, and organic carbon, whereas phosphorus was negatively correlated with potassium and nitrogen. Gulmarg and Pahalgam were similar in soil characteristics, while Sonamarg exhibited distinct differences. Phosphorus positively correlated with Sonamarg but negatively with Pahalgam and Gulmarg, while other soil parameters showed opposite trends. The study emphasizes the significance of AMF colonization in understanding and enhancing plant-microbe interactions in terrestrial ecosystems, highlighting its role in nutrient cycling and the assimilation of essential elements like phosphorus and nitrogen.